The Age of Exploration had profound impacts on indigenous populations, often resulting in significant decline due to colonization, disease, and conflict. European explorers and colonizers brought new technologies and trade, but they also introduced diseases like smallpox, which devastated indigenous communities lacking immunity. Additionally, colonization led to the appropriation of land and resources, leading to loss of autonomy for many indigenous groups. Many populations were displaced or forced into labor, and their cultures faced severe disruption as European settlers imposed new governance, religions, and economic systems. Overall, this period marked a severe deterioration of indigenous ways of life.